the second is that the german economy remained competitive last year despite a weaker environment, and that has given exports a boost. >> exports are the backbone of the german economy. they continued to grow last year, albeit at a slower rate. companies are proceeding with caution. they are cutting investment amid uncertainty about what the new year will hold, especially for the eurozone. in 2011, the german economy grew by 3%. that figure dropped to 0.7% last year. the economy even contracted in the final quarter. the government is poised to cut its own forecast for 2013 to just 0.5%. that is unlikely to have an immediate impact on the jobs market. the unemployment rate is expected to see just a small rise this year. >> for, let's cross over to a frankfurt -- to frankfurt. not necessarily the greatest news for those without a job, but there was good news for the german tax man. >> absolutely. the government has been able to reach its budget plans earlier than expected. the new debt load has been lower than expected, and this has been very good news, although the government also lower